Asians are feeling under less stress these days but Hong Kong is an exception with levels almost unchanged, a new survey showed on Tuesday.

About 32 percent of 4,700 respondents from Asia said they were feeling higher stress in a poll conducted between late 2003 and early 2004, down from 41 percent in the previous such poll in 2001, said Brand’s Health Education Fund, which commissioned the poll.

However, 39 percent of Hong Kong respondents were feeling more stress, only slightly down from 42 percent in 2001.

“Asians generally experience lower levels of stress now than in 2001. Hong Kong is he exception where stress levels have remained unchanged,” the poll said.

The poll said the main sources of stress in Hong Kong included a heavy workload, financial problems and economic uncertainties.

The economy is just recovering from years in the doldrums when bankruptcies and unemployment hit record highs. Companies in the former British colony have long been known for their long working hours.

The survey polled residents aged 15 and above from Hong Kong, China, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Taiwan.

About 40 percent of those in Taiwan said they were feeling more stress, the highest in the region but far lower than 51 percent in 2001.

Only 22 percent of Thais were feeling more stress, the lowest in the region and down from 30 percent in 2001.